In this refreshing play for young audiences that is both accessible and humorous, a young First Nations girl must find empowerment and identity despite the best efforts of others who attempt to control her from behind a mask of kindness.

Annie Runningbird doesn’t have time for any kind of games that boys want to play. Like the games that subtly put women in the background as insignificant sex workers or the mind tricks that manipulate vulnerable girls with hurtful words. She has enough to deal with as she comes closer to “aging out of the system.” Instead of receiving a gift, young, abandoned First Nations girls are ejected from care on their eighteenth birthdays. Even though she was comfortable on her own, Annie finds herself caught between Isaac, a cute but naive boy she met in the mall food court, and Louis, her manipulative and aggressive care-worker. Annie has to find a safe place soon.

Forced to grow up at a rapid rate, Annie faces big decisions and obstacles. She feels the pull to reconnect with her heritage and grandmother in the North, but living in the city is enticing, even though lots of girls like her go missing. And as tough as she can talk, she’s still at risk of being exploited. When time runs out, Annie needs to win her game.

Additional Information

Title

Squawk (print)

ISBN 13

9781770918184

Genre

Atlantic Canadian Theatre, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), Women Writers

Contributor(s)

Megan Gail Coles

Agent

Please contact Playwrights Canada Press for more information about production rights.